August 26, 2026, Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Holy Rosary (Joyful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary,

Today, we celebrate Our Lady of Częstochowa, the Black Madonna, the icon of Jasna Góra, enshrined in Częstochowa, Poland.

This icon was traditionally believed to have been painted by St. Luke the Evangelist on a cypress wood panel from a table used by the Holy Family in Nazareth, which Jesus himself built.

It was discovered by St. Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine and collector of Christian relics in the Holy Land. It was brought to Poland in the 14th century, where it is still, and is associated with several miraculous events and spontaneous healings.

After the liberation of Poland from Nazi occupation, 1.5 million people gathered at Jasna Góra in 1945 to rededicate the nation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope John Paul II visited the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa four times during his pontificate. Our Lady’s intercession is also credited with the liberation of Poland from Communist rule.

The holy painting enshrined at Częstochowa has been a lighthouse of hope and a pilgrimage destination for centuries. Today, the Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa attracts millions who love and honor Our Lady’s intercession.

Ave Maria!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Please give us the grace to respond with joy!

+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York

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